Quick Comparison – ETA vs eVisitor vs Visitor Visa
Australia offers three main visa options for short-term visitors. Your passport nationality determines which ones you are eligible for. The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) costs AUD 20 and is available through the official ETA app. The eVisitor is free for European passport holders. The Visitor visa is available to all nationalities. Here is a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | ETA (601) | eVisitor (651) | Visitor Visa (600) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | AUD 20 (service fee, no VAC) | Free | Government fee applies |
| Eligible nationalities | ~30 countries (US, Canada, Japan, Singapore, etc.) | EU/European passport holders | All nationalities |
| Validity | 12 months | 12 months | 3, 6, or 12 months |
| Stay per entry | Up to 3 months | Up to 3 months | Up to 3 or 12 months |
| Entries | Multiple (unlimited) | Multiple (unlimited) | Single or multiple |
| Application method | ETA app only | ImmiAccount (online) | ImmiAccount (online) |
| Processing time | Minutes to days | Minutes to days | Days to weeks |
| Extendable? | No | No | Sometimes |
Key fact from the Australian Embassy: There is no Visa Application Charge (VAC) for an ETA, but there is an application service fee of AUD 20 to use the Australian ETA app. European passport holders may be eligible for a free eVisitor (subclass 651) instead.
ETA (Subclass 601) – Detailed Overview
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is the primary visa option for non-European passport holders from approximately 30 eligible countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Brunei, and Taiwan. It is a fully digital visa that can only be applied for through the official Australian ETA app.
Key features of the ETA:
- Cost: AUD 20 application service fee (no Visa Application Charge)
- Validity: 12 months from grant date (or passport expiry, whichever comes first)
- Stay: Up to 3 months per visit, with unlimited entries within the validity period
- Purpose: Tourism and business visitor activities only (attending meetings, conferences, seminars – no work)
- Application: Through the official Australian ETA app only – not through any website
- Identity verification: The app requires a live facial image (selfie) and NFC chip scan of your passport
The ETA is designed for travelers who want a quick, affordable, and convenient way to visit Australia for short stays. Applications are processed automatically by a computer – they are never manually checked, which means approvals are typically granted within minutes. The visa is electronically linked to your passport, so no physical label or stamp is needed.
Important: You must not be in Australia when you apply for an ETA. If you are already in Australia, you would need to apply for a different visa type or leave and apply from outside the country.
eVisitor (Subclass 651) – Detailed Overview
The eVisitor visa is a free alternative available exclusively to European passport holders. It offers the same stay conditions as the ETA but without any fees, making it the best option for eligible Europeans.
Key features of the eVisitor:
- Cost: Completely free – no fees at all
- Validity: 12 months from grant date
- Stay: Up to 3 months per visit, with multiple entries allowed
- Purpose: Tourism or business visitor activities
- Application: Online through ImmiAccount (not through the ETA app)
- Identity verification: Manual passport details entry (no app or NFC scan required)
The eVisitor allows you to engage in certain business activities while in Australia, such as attending meetings, conferences, and seminars. Unlike the ETA, the eVisitor application may go through a manual check, which could result in slightly longer processing times in some cases.
If you hold a European passport, always check eVisitor eligibility first before considering the ETA. The eVisitor is free and offers identical stay conditions. Some European countries may have dual eligibility for both the ETA and eVisitor – in that case, choose the eVisitor since it costs nothing.
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) – Detailed Overview
The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is the most flexible option, available to all nationalities regardless of ETA or eVisitor eligibility. It is the standard paid visitor visa for tourism, family visits, and short business activity.
Key features of the Visitor visa:
- Cost: Government application fee (varies by stream and nationality)
- Validity: 3, 6, or 12 months (as granted)
- Stay: Up to 3, 6, or 12 months per visit (as granted)
- Entries: Single or multiple (as granted)
- Application: Online through ImmiAccount
- Processing time: Days to several weeks
- Extendable: Possible in some circumstances while in Australia
The Visitor visa requires more documentation than the ETA or eVisitor, including evidence of financial means, travel itinerary, return ticket, accommodation bookings, and ties to your home country. The Department of Home Affairs assesses whether you intend to remain in Australia temporarily.
Study allowance: Visitor visa holders may study for up to three months as part of their visit. Longer study requires a student visa (subclass 500). The three-month study allowance cannot be extended by exiting and re-entering Australia.
ETA vs eVisitor – Key Differences
The main differences between the ETA and eVisitor come down to eligibility, cost, and application method:
| Difference | ETA (601) | eVisitor (651) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | AUD 20 service fee | Free |
| Eligibility | ~30 countries (US, Canada, Asia-Pacific) | European passport holders |
| Application channel | Australian ETA app (app only) | ImmiAccount (online) |
| Passport verification | NFC chip scan via app | Manual passport details entry |
| Selfie required | Yes (live facial image) | No |
| Processing | Automatic (computer-checked) | May involve manual review |
| Business activities | Standard business visitor | Wider range of business activities |
If you are eligible for both the ETA and eVisitor (some European countries have dual eligibility), the eVisitor is the better choice because it is free and offers a wider range of permitted business activities.
ETA vs Visitor Visa – Key Differences
Comparing the ETA with the Visitor visa (subclass 600):
| Difference | ETA (601) | Visitor Visa (600) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | AUD 20 service fee | Higher government fee |
| Eligibility | ~30 countries | All nationalities |
| Processing | Minutes to days (automatic) | Days to weeks (manual review) |
| Maximum stay | 3 months per visit | Up to 12 months |
| Documentation | Minimal (app only) | Financial and travel documents required |
| Extendable | No | Sometimes possible |
| Study allowed | No | Up to 3 months |
Choose the Visitor visa if you need a stay longer than 3 months, are not eligible for the ETA or eVisitor, need to study for up to 3 months, or need specific visa conditions not available with the ETA.
Which Visa Should You Choose?
Follow this decision guide based on your passport nationality:
- Are you from the US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Brunei, Taiwan, or another eligible Asia-Pacific country? – Apply for the ETA (subclass 601) through the official ETA app
- Are you from a European Union or EEA country? – Apply for the eVisitor (subclass 651) – it is free
- Are you from any other country? – Apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600)
- Do you need to stay longer than 3 months? – Apply for the Visitor visa (subclass 600)
- Are you from New Zealand? – You do not need any visa – you get a visa on arrival
Common mistake to avoid: Do not apply for the Visitor visa (600) if you are eligible for the free eVisitor (651) or low-cost ETA (601). The 600 has a fee and longer processing time than the automatic electronic options. Confirm your eligibility before applying.
How to Avoid Visa Scams
The Australian Embassy has issued strong warnings about third-party websites that charge excessive fees to lodge ETAs. Here is how to protect yourself:
Red flags – you are being scammed if:
- You apply for your ETA via a website – ETAs can only be applied for using the official ETA app
- You pay more than AUD 20 to lodge the application
- You are told to pay extra fees for premium service or expedited processing
- The information you rely on has not come from an official website ending in .gov.au
If you use a third-party website, you risk losing any upfront payment, having your ETA refused, not being permitted on your flight, or being refused entry at the Australian border by the Australian Border Force.
How to report scams: If you are aware of or suspect a visa scam, report it to Australia’s Border Watch at homeaffairs.gov.au/report. You can also check the Register of Migration Agents (OMARA) at mara.gov.au to verify any migration agent you are considering.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Refusal
According to registered migration advisors, these are the most common mistakes that lead to visa refusal:
- Applying for the wrong visa subclass: Paying the Visitor visa (600) fee when eligible for a free eVisitor (651) or low-cost ETA (601) is a common and avoidable error
- Overstaying a previous Australian visa: This creates a significant refusal risk for any future application, regardless of visa category
- Using a visitor visa for work activities: Even unpaid labour or long-term volunteering can breach visitor visa conditions and affect your migration record
- Not declaring prior refusals: Non-disclosure of a previous visa refusal or cancellation is treated as a character issue more serious than the underlying refusal itself
- Applying while in Australia: The ETA requires you to be outside Australia when you apply
Other Visa Options for Australia
Beyond the three main tourist visas, Australia offers additional visa types for different purposes:
- Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) – For young adults aged 18-30 (35 for some countries including Canada, Ireland, UK, and France) from eligible countries who want to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. A second visa is available after completing 3 months of specified regional work; a third requires 6 months. Applicants must demonstrate access to a minimum of AUD 5,000 in funds.
- Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) – For a different set of countries including the USA, China, and Argentina, with additional education and English language requirements
- Student visa (subclass 500) – For international students enrolled in Australian educational institutions
- Business visa (subclass 600 – Business stream) – For business visitors with more extensive business activities than the ETA allows
- Transit visa (subclass 771) – For travelers passing through Australia to another destination
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ETA or eVisitor visa better for Australia?
If you are eligible for both, the eVisitor is better because it is free. The ETA costs AUD 20. Both offer the same validity (12 months) and stay duration (3 months per visit). The eVisitor also allows a wider range of business activities.
Do I need a tourist visa or ETA for Australia?
It depends on your passport nationality and the length of your stay. If you are from the US, Canada, Japan, or another eligible country and staying up to 3 months, you need the ETA (subclass 601). If you are from Europe, you may be eligible for the free eVisitor (subclass 651). If you are from any other country, or need to stay longer than 3 months, you need the Visitor visa (subclass 600).
Can I switch from an ETA to a different visa while in Australia?
Generally, you cannot switch from an ETA to another visa while in Australia. You would typically need to leave Australia and apply for a different visa type from outside the country. However, in some limited circumstances, you may be able to apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) while in Australia.
Can I apply for a Visitor visa if I already have an ETA?
You can hold only one visa type at a time. If you apply for and are granted a Visitor visa while you have a valid ETA, the ETA will typically be superseded by the new visa.
Is the ETA valid for work in Australia?
No, the ETA does not permit employment in Australia. It is strictly for tourism and business visitor activities (attending meetings, conferences, negotiations). Even unpaid labour or long-term volunteering can breach visitor visa conditions. To work in Australia, you need a specific work visa.
How do I know if a visa website is legitimate?
The ETA can only be applied for through the official ETA app. Official Australian Government websites end in .gov.au. If a website charges more than AUD 20 for an ETA, it is not an official channel. You can verify registered migration agents at mara.gov.au.
Last updated: June 2026. Sources: Australian Embassy USA (usa.embassy.gov.au), Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au), Intergate Emigration (MARA-registered). For the latest visa options and eligibility, visit the Department of Home Affairs Visa Finder.
